Nestled on the eastern bank of the mighty Parana River, most travelers see Corrientes as little more than a transport hub between more prominent destinations such as Iguazu or Asuncion. But for the unhurried traveler, this delightfully authentic Argentine town offers a fascinating insight into local living away from the tourist crowds. Here’s what to see and do in the city.
The Constanera
Widely regarded as the most attractive shoreline of the entire Rio Parana, Corrientes’ costanera is renowned for its golden sand beaches and lush vegetation. Try to come in the late afternoon when scores of locals arrive to swim, play sports, or grab a meal and a drink at one of the many surrounding restaurants and bars.
Costanera | © paulojuy™/Wikipedia
Corrientes History Museum
Get your knowledge of regional history up to speed at the Museo Histórico de Corrientes, a charming museum set around a leafy patio. Here, an impressive collection of coins, weapons, antique furniture and various religious artifacts are on display.
Colonial Historical Museum, 9 de Julio 1044, W3400AYS Corrientes, Argentina
Teatro Juan de Vera
Theatres lovers should do their best to catch a show at the magnificent Teatro Juan de Vera, a grand colonial structure considered among the most elegant playhouses in the region. If there aren’t any scheduled performances, management might let you inside the triple gallery structure to admire its majestic painted dome ceiling.
Official Theater Juan de Vera, San Juan 637, Corrientes, Argentina +54 379 442-7743
Teatro | © Ro200000/Wikipedia
Traditional Folkloric Artisans Museum
Those interested in regional artisans would be mad to miss this exciting museum and workshop. Set in an attractive colonial-era home, visitors can watch as master craftsmen teach their students the ways of working with leather, wood, and silver. There is also an onsite shop and numerous displays.
Museo de Artesanías Tradicionales Folclóricas, Fray José de la Quintana 905, W3400BGI Corrientes, Argentina +54 379 488-0175
Corrientes Archaeological and Anthropological Museum
Museo Arqueológico y Antropológico de la Provincia de Corrientes, Fray José de la Quintana 971, W3400BGK Corrientes, Argentina +54 9 379 471 3877
Cantalicio Bar
For some live chamamé, an exuberant style of gaucho music local to the region, head over to the Cantalicio bar in the evening. Performances are energetic, to say the least, frequently whipping the audience into a frenzy as they jump on their tables and stamp their feet. The whole experience is a lot of fun, and their traditional regional dishes aren’t bad either.
Cantalicio Bar, Chaco 1236, W3400BSL Corrientes, Argentina +54 379 475-1005
Burbujas
Liked what you heard in the Cantalicio Bar last night? Then drop by Burbujas and let the friendly staff advise you on a fun-filled Burbuje chamamé CD. Of course, being 2018 and all, you could just listen to the stuff on YouTube instead.
Carnaval Correntino
Corrientes Carnival | © José Luis Suerte/Flickr
El Mirador del Paraná
Trying the local food is always an important aspect of travel, and as far as Corrienties is concerned, it doesn’t get much better than El Mirador del Paraná. Opt for a seat outside on the deck overlooking the river and order the surubí, a type of fish abundant in the Rio Parana.
El Mirador del Paraná Parilla Restaurant, Av. Costanera Gral. San Martín, W3400 Corrientes, Argentina +54 379 442-9953